U.S. sales of organic products, both food and non-food, grew to $24.6 billion by the end of 2008, despite tough economic times, according to newly released figures.
While the overall economy lost ground last year, sales of organic products increased 17.1%, according the Organic Trade Association (OTA), which today made available final results from its 2009 Organic Industry Survey.
The survey measured the growth of U.S. sales of organic foods and
beverages as well as non-food categories such as organic fibers,
personal care products and pet foods during 2008.
Results show organic
food sales grew in 2008 by 15.8% to reach $22.9 billion, while
organic non-food sales grew by 39.4% to reach
$1.648 billion.
Organic food sales now account for
approximately 3.5% of all food product sales in the United
States, according to the report.
"Organic products represent value to consumers, who have shown continued resilience in seeking out these products," said Christine Bushway, OTA’s Executive Director.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) last week announced plans to conduct the first wide-scale survey of organic farming.
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